Your wedding dress is one of the most important fashion purchases you will ever make. It will be worn once (unless you decide to wear it again as a bridesmaid), so if you’re like most brides, you probably have very high expectations about the look of your wedding dress.
As with any other piece of clothing, bridal dresses have followed trends throughout the years. For example, in the 1950s, long ball gowns with poofy skirts became popular, while strapless dresses ruled the ’90s. In more recent times, designers have experimented with off-white dresses, such as ivory, cream and ecru, to create dresses that are more traditional but not quite white.
Many bridal gowns have sleeves, lace and beading to add dimension, while others are simpler in style and made of chiffon, satin or other lightweight materials. Many women also choose to customize their wedding dresses by adding embellishments or removing elements that they don’t like. Some of these changes can be done by your seamstress, while others may be best left to the professionals.
Regardless of the dress you ultimately select, it is important to have fun during your shopping experience. Try on a variety of styles to determine what looks and feels right for you. It is also helpful to bring a list of your top priorities, such as neckline and sleeve length, to help narrow down your selections. Finally, don’t forget to try on a few different accessories, such as shoes and veils, to see how they look with your wedding dress.
According to Ou Ma, Creative Director and founder of the bridal brand, OUMA, brides should always keep an open mind when it comes to trying on various parts of a dress to find out what they like and don’t like. She recommends experimenting with dresses that have sleeves, square or rounded necklines and dual looks (one for the ceremony and another for the reception). Additionally, she suggests that you go in with an open mind when it comes to train lengths. For instance, Watteau trains are a great option for brides looking to achieve a more formal look, while sweep trains, which barely touch the floor, offer a more relaxed feel.
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, every woman has her own personal style. That’s why it’s so important to find a stylist that you trust and who understands your vision. She will be able to guide you through the dress options that fit your personality and help you find a design that is uniquely you.
It’s also important to remember that your first fitting should only be about four weeks before your wedding. That’s when you will be able to tell whether your dress fits perfectly or requires any additional alterations. At this point, you will be able to schedule your second and final fittings to ensure that your dress is perfect for your big day. During the second fitting, you will be able to try on your veil, shoes and any other accessories that you might want to incorporate into your overall wedding look.